In Tunisia’s latest presidential election, President Kais Saied achieved a decisive victory, garnering over 89 percent of the votes amid allegations of electoral manipulation. The election, marked by low voter turnout and the absence of significant opposition, suggests a troubling reversion to authoritarianism in the country, echoing the oppressive governance of the past. Public trust in President Saied is waning despite a lack of credible alternatives within the political landscape.
In the most recent presidential election in Tunisia, President Kais Saied has achieved what is perceived as a significant victory. This election marks the first since the systematic dismantling of democracy that followed the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Mr. Saied, who initially ascended to power in 2019, reportedly secured over 89 percent of the votes, as indicated by state television exit polls. However, the context surrounding this victory raises concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process, as the government had disqualified numerous opposition candidates and asserted electoral fraud charges against his main rival, Ayachi Zammel, now imprisoned under allegations deemed by rights organizations as fabricated. The voter turnout for this election was approximately half of that observed in the previous presidential election, a clear indication that the ongoing crises in Tunisia have eroded public trust in a leader who was once regarded with admiration. The prevailing sentiment among the populace reflects a critical viewpoint of Mr. Saied’s governance, despite the lack of viable alternatives from the fragmented political opposition within the country. The dynamics of this election highlight not only the regression into authoritarianism but also evoke memories of the oppressive regime of former dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, shedding light on the troubling evolution of Tunisia’s political landscape.
The 2011 Arab Spring was a pivotal moment in Tunisia’s history, leading to the ousting of authoritarian ruler Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. The revolution sparked a brief period of democratic governance, where several free elections were conducted. Nonetheless, President Kais Saied’s election in 2019 marked the beginning of a new era characterized by increasing centralization of power and a decline in democratic practices. With his recent re-election, the political situation in Tunisia appears increasingly precarious, and concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and political pluralism are at the forefront of public discourse. Mr. Saied’s provocative actions, such as the disqualification of opponents and allegations of electoral manipulation, underscore a troubling trend toward authoritarianism that contradicts the aspirations of the Tunisian people following the revolution.
In summary, President Kais Saied’s landslide re-election reflects a troubling shift back towards authoritarianism in Tunisia, reminiscent of the pre-Arab Spring era under Ben Ali. The disqualification of opposition candidates and the low voter turnout indicate significant public disillusionment with the political process, raising critical questions about the future of democracy in a nation that once held promise as a model of democratic transition in the Arab world.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
